Redefining eco-friendly living with smart home systems

Paul Foulkes of Theben explores the innovative functions of smart home systems that enable UK self-builders and renovators to create sustainable, resource-conscious homes without compromising modern lifestyles In a time marked by growing environmental awareness, self-builders and renovators in the... View Article

In the relaxation zone

Johanna Elvidge of Marshalls explains how a zoning approach can help organise your outdoor spaces for relaxed ‘quiet luxury,’ and how different landscaping materials can help achieve your vision Most often used as a term to describe the internal layout... View Article

Remote working, rural living

In a bid to escape city life post-pandemic, Una and Laura embarked on a journey to create their dream home as well as workspace in rural Ireland, filled with innovative features and design solutions TEXT Tom Boddy IMAGES Una &... View Article

Interior Inspiration: Lighting

Going well beyond just getting the right practical illumination levels, lighting sets the mood, and impacts wellbeing. Explore our hand-picked collection of options and light up your life 1. Artisan crafted by skilled craftspeople, the Morocco Ceiling Light by Where Saints... View Article

Painting pointers

Paint is the finishing touch for a vital looking exterior for either new builds or refurbishments, but as Tony Pearson-Young from AkzoNobel says, there is some essential practical advice to bear in mind A fresh coat of paint can help rejuvenate... View Article

An open and shut case

Darren Hyde of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, discusses why there is a clear cut case for creating and maintaining standards for automatic doors, and why they need to be reviewed against a landscape of fast-changing technologies, new products and... View Article

Four trends for ‘24

Bathrooms have evolved from practical spaces to stylish sanctuaries, merging function with design. Jasmine Rowe from HiB explains how self-builders can tap into this year’s key design trends to discover the mix they need For bathroom designers, there are the... View Article

‘O’ for a balance between thermal comfort and health

Meeting Part O means achieving a balance between thermal comfort and healthy indoor air quality for residents; as James Fisher from Titon Ventilation explains Ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment in residential applications.... View Article

A more modern way to manage wastewater

David Stagg from Graf UK explains why innovative sequencing technology is the way forward for efficient wastewater management in developments Nutrient neutrality that requires reductions in nitrates and phosphates, reducing ammonia levels in the effluent and carbon dosing – the... View Article

Keeping your friends close

By letting their good friend, renowned architect Richard Murphy take the lead, a couple in the east coast of Scotland are now living in a bold and beautifully designed home that fully embraces modern architecture TEXT Nik Hunter IMAGES Crispin... View Article

Fix project performance and aesthetics

Mark Newell of EJOT highlights how some of the latest developments in fixings and profiles are enhancing system performance and aesthetics External wall insulation (EWI) systems, which we also refer to as ETICS, are playing a crucial role in upgrading... View Article

Ask the Expert: Prefab-ulous

Discover how kit homes can offer a streamlined approach to your self-build project, while minimising risks along the way. Baufritz’s Oliver Rehm sheds light on some important FAQs What are kit homes & modular solutions? A kit home looks the... View Article

Roadmap to decarbonised heating: Are we on track?

Global urgency demands net-zero emissions by 2050 to combat climate change. Addressing the building sector, primarily heated by natural gas, is crucial, as it constitutes nearly one-third of UK carbon emissions. Chris Caton from Ideal Heating explains Scientific consensus is... View Article

Hit the Passivhaus balance

Vasilis Giannopoulos from Internorm explains how to meet the stringent demands of Passivhaus and EnerPHit while balancing daylight, insulation, and durability The windows in any building, including Passivhaus designs, have a multi-faceted role. They need to provide abundant daylight, make... View Article

Selfbuilder Diaries

LISTEN HERE Navigating their way through planning hurdles and DIY adventures, Fiona & Jon’s eco self-build journey is a testament to their patience and bravery, including getting their hands dirty to stay within budget constraints ‘Never again!’ That was what... View Article

Practice Profile: NBBJ

One of the world’s top architectural firms, US-founded NBBJ built a global reputation among healthcare and major corporate clients, but despite its size still aims to place people at the heart of all its buildings. Laura Shadwell reports Founded in... View Article

View Point: Rory Bergin of HTA Design

How can architects use place-specific data on design outcomes to have a meaningful impact in future projects? Rory Bergin of HTA Design proposes a change of approach ‘If you can’t measure it, you cannot manage it’ has been the mantra... View Article

A grand slam for eco-living

This year, Grand Designs Live promises an immersive experience with exhibitors across four key sectors: build, kitchens and bathrooms, gardens, and interiors.  The show will take place over nine days, including engaging talks led by renowned TV broadcaster and design... View Article

Shared opportunity

James Parker reports on how Assael Architecture achieved a pioneering co-living scheme which used a difficult site to the full to give single occupants and keyworkers a foothold in London, plus co-working and shared amenities to combat loneliness Sunday Mills,... View Article

Shared opportunity

James Parker reports on how Assael Architecture achieved a pioneering co-living scheme which used a difficult site to the full to give single occupants and keyworkers a foothold in London, plus co-working and shared amenities to combat loneliness Sunday Mills,... View Article